May 23rd, 2015....round 4 of Backyard Braggen' Rights kicked off with beautiful weather (seems to be some power in prayer...yes God!). Add a breakfast burrito, that I snagged from the Allred smoker, to the beautiful weather and my day was off to a great start! The music system was easily put together and most of the set up had been accomplished the day before so unlike previous years where we ran around in circles, we were actually able to enjoy the beginning of the day and enjoy the calm before the storm AKA lunch hour.

Backyard Braggen’ Rights….round two! We began the day bright and early, shout out to Sara J (AKA Mustang Sally) who ran into town for hamburger buns and the oh so important donuts for breakfast at 6:00 a.m.! The rest of us followed suit with not a one left sleeping after 7:00! Then began the hustlin’ and bustlin’ as PA speakers were brought upstairs, electrical cords unwound, music downloaded, smokers positioned, signup sheets printed, cameras located, Papa Rock attire on, tables set up, BBQ sauces displayed, signs positioned out front, cars relocated to accommodate others, and then greeting the competitors as each one rolled in! I must say the morning itself pulled through without a hitch, much to everyone’s amazement!

The day began with no one knowing what to expect. We were simply thrilled to have two participants pull in early that morning, and being the optimists that we are we were determined to have a good time no matter the number of people who came. Then as time went on and truck after truck pulled in, the excitement grew and hopes began to rise. I, AKA Girls Rock, the daughter of Papa and Mama Rock, was the "lucky" individual nominated to sign all participants in and collect all dues owed (definitely not the peoples' favorite person to see that day). But, lo and behold, the job turned out be a rewarding one because it allowed me to meet all the participants and their families, and be the first to hear the classic team names (shout out to No Sleeves BBQ and The Smokers for thinking of team names on the spot! And the longest team name award goes to the Allreds: The Allred Family Southern Smoke-N-Sauce).

Later on that day I was pleasantly surprised with a second job...tallying the scores. And though it meant missing out on meat samples and funnel cakes it had its perks...I knew the winners beforehand and was then able to watch them carefully during the awards assembly to see their reactions. I must commend everyone on their poker faces, all winners had a jump of surprise, but then were quick to return to their poker faces as they walked to the stage (Best poker face award to Willie Schumann AKA The Smokin' Daddy and Todd Flashpuller AKA No Sleeves BBQ).

All in all, the day was a great experience, full of smiles and laughter. And...always a positive...no complaints about the music (which was yet another job of Girls Rock). I'm now ready for round two in the spring!

We awoke at the crack of dawn to embark on our adventure to Illinois with our party of five that included: Eric & Cece Flood, Papa Moose & Granny B, and me their daughter, Camille Steward. After our long haul across Missouri and Illinois we arrived at our destination….Country Bob’s. We were greeted warmly by the receptionist and were impressed with the facility upon our entry. The VP of Operations, Reed Malekovic, was quick to receive us and promptly began touring us around the building.